A remarkable similarity exists between the two heroes of these movies,
Luke and Randall McMurphy. (Recommend Kesey’s distinguished
novel of ONE FLEW..for more development of characters and
themes.) Both men are strong in persistence and stamina which they
need to fight the corrupt “establishment or system.” McMurphy
battles Nurse Ratched for the patients’ dignity and rights. She and
the mental institution are graphic symbols of conformity for the
establishment. (The novel often compares the institution to a
threshing machine that tosses out the chaff or pieces that just don’t
fit. The mental institution takes the chaff and through drugs, shame,
electrical current, and surgery send nice, normal zombies back into society.)
McMurphy’s rugged individuality clashes with a system that eventually
beats him.

“Good ole’ Luke” just won’t conform to the prison’s rules and constantly
escapes. Beat him, he rises. Beat him again, he rises again.

In both movies, the patients and prisoners attach themselves to
these heroes and gain sustenance and strength from their heroics..
as long as both continue to fight.

When McMurphy realizes that the men can voluntarily leave, but
that he may be forced to stay if he keeps up the “good war,” he conforms.
The men lose faith and turn away. When Luke is brutally beaten,
hugs “bossman” and says he’ll be good, the men won’t even help him
into his bunk. “Where are you now?” he cried.

Both are in a sense Christ figures. One would have to be blind to miss
all of the crosses and crucifixion imagery in Luke. Even the last scene
has telephone pole crosses and a cross highway. Both men
fight one last solid battle and are in a sense crucified, but their
death resurrects the faith and (in Cuckoo’s Nest) the combative spirit and
dignity of the men. (Luke is even betrayed by his closest disciple.)

While I admire the heroics of both men, I’ve often been bothered by
the weaknesses of their disciples. In a sense the men are
parasitic. They are like parasites feeding off the STRENGTHS of
both men. In times of my own personal darkness and loss of faith, I
sometimes wonder if this is why people cling to religion. It is a personal
struggle with me, so I enjoy movies and literature that deal with
this notion of man as parasite needing something stronger to cling to.

Let’s get serious now. What is really neat about the movies
is the bloodhound sneezing, Nitzsche and Schifrin scores,
eating endless eggs, and mostly
Newman with shirt off, grinning, and flashing his blue eyes.

NP Nothing. Cold shower thinking of Paul

The only followers who had the intestinal fortitude to go to the tomb were the women!

Poor lady...she didn't get it at all.
Imitation is one of the greatest forms of flattery, and perhaps even a sign of true respect!

Utilizing NO Biblical imagery whatsoever, Ellen Ripley (as portrayed by Sigourney Weaver in the Alien films) effectively demonstrates the force of intellect and sheer courage in defeating an enemy of truly supernatural power. Ripley's instinct for survival is indeed sharp, but sharper still is her innate need to totally conquer that which threatens her "family" (the men all being toast!). Ripley IS the "Ultimate Mother", and she ultimately confronts the Alien's own "Ultimate Mother" in a battle to the death!

Thankfully, Ripley prevails!

NP: Breakheart Pass Goldsmith

I remember how stunned I was (and terrified) the first time I
saw ALIEN. I presumed, like all previous “hero” flicks I’d viewed,
that the captain was the archetypal hero. I assumed
the creature would pick off each crew member one by one
(in order of least importance to most, naturally) until only the captain
and one of the females (his romantic interest) was left. I was
absolutely SHOCKED when he was the second one chosen
for the alien’s snack. (or cocoon.) I kept wondering, “Well,
who the heck is the real hero around here?” I never expected
Sigourney Weaver to emerge as super heroine. She was
smart, gutsy, and could sling a mean gun. Since then, other women
have been portrayed in those tough, heroic roles, but I can’t remember
if Ripley was the prototype of this type of female hero. (??)

I hated the fourth Alien movie, but I still want a fifth, when the creatures invade earth.

Ripley to the rescue!!

NP Cinema Century Classics

Mom: I wrote a contribution for the Smart Movies series yesterday, but the computer ate it. You know how heavy-hearted I get when that happens. I'll take another stab at it, perhaps today.

I've said before that I don't like musicals, and maybe have mentioned I'm not fond of live stage shows either, but on my 18th birthday I DID see the off-Broadway original production of "Little Shop of Horrors," and it was cool beyond words.

Audrey 2: "Does this look IN-ANIMATE to you??!?"

The "Dentist" song was also a showstopper.

LITTLE SHOP is the only Ashman/Menken collaboration that I unabashedly adore. Strangely, though, I've never seen the feature film of the musical (script by Howard Ashman.) Remember how the writer of the original film, Charles B. Griffith, had to sue the producers of the musical to get acknowledged for having, um, CREATED the concept?

Can't you feed your computer the iguana?

Best song: Skid Row

Hero? How about the dentist?